May 21,1997 South Mecklenburg High School
Mauriello wins Phil Hughston
By Cliff Mauriello
On April 24, First Union Cor­
poration presented the Twenty­
sixth Annual Phil Hughston Me­
mor ial Award to Michael
Mauriello as the oustanding se­
nior male student-athlete in
Mecklenburg County. The two
other finalists for the award
were Thorsten Sundberg of
Myers Park High School and
Joshua Sanger of Harding Uni­
versity High School.
Mauriello lettered in cross
country and track and field ev­
ery year he has attended South
Mecklenburg. He has also won
four All-Conference Awards,
two All-Regional Awards, and a
Regional Cross Country Title.
Peaceful Sabres conduct Davis naJDed Athletic Director
racism conference
By Cliff Mauriello
Sixty-seven members of the
South Mecklenburg student
body participated in a race rela-
tions conference on April 22.
,....-�.uelegates represented all
four classes and various ethnic
backgrounds.
Community volunteers sepa-
rated the delegates into small
groups and discussed racism on
campus. The groups identified
problems caused by racism and
proposed five different ideas to
help make students more aware
of other ethnic groups.
The delegates' proposals in-
eluded having an interracial
lunch every Thursday in the old
cafeteria. Those who participate
would eat lunch with members
of other races.
Weekend socials and a "True
Colors" social were also pre-
Cafeteria robbed
By Katie Payerle
On the afternoon of April 9,
Debbie Webb, the cafeteria man­
ager, was counting money when
she turned to face a man hold­
ing a gun demanding that she
hand over the bag of bills. While
she cannot release the amount
stolen, Webb recalls her initial
reaction . "I just didn't believe
it was happening," she said.
Now, in the wake of the robbery,
the administrative staff at South
has taken steps to avoid a repeat
occurrence. "It is disturbing to
think that a school has become
a target for a robber," said Dr.
Knox. According to Knox, the
Mr. Holmes
sprouts
new
ideas ...
Page 8 Pages 4-5
8900 Park Road
•
Mauriello is South's first winner in ten years.
sented as options for the student
body. A cultural fair similar to
Arcade Day was also suggested.
The final proposal was a con-
tract that students would si ,
in which they would promise to
be more open-minded. None of
the proposals have been ap­
proved by the administration.
Delegate Andy Babcock said
the suggestions were designed
around the Golden Rule.
"We hoped to promote 'Do
unto others as they would do
unto you' and 'Love your neigh-
bor as yourself,"' said Babcock.
The delegates watched the
film T h e W a r Between t h e
Classes to illustrate the need to
deal with racism in schools.
The Peaceful Sabres hope to
avoid conflict on South
Mecklenburg's campus.
safety procedures have been re­
viewed with all employees.
They have emphasized the im­
portance of making sure two
people are present while count­
ing money and that someone
k nows when Webb leaves
school to deposit the money.
Dr. Knox does not believe that
the robbery is an accurate mea­
sure of the safety on campus.
"This robbery was one of the
flukes that happens in life. Any
organization can be robbed:
First Union, 7-11, a taxi cab
driver. This one just happened
to be South Meek."
Pro111 Pictures
Charlotte,North Carolina,28210 Volume XXIV
He is a member of Spanish The guest speaker at the cer­
Honor Society, National Art emony was University of South
Honor Society, and Beta Club. Carolina Gamecocks head foot­
He is also the Treasurer of the ball coach Brad Scott. Scott
National Honor Society. spoke about people of integrity,
In his acceptance speech, an outstanding trait of the late
Michael thanked cross country Phil Hughston. Superintendent
and track and field coach Evans of Charlotte Mecklenburg
Lalas for all his support over the Schools Dr. Eric Smith cited
last four years. He also thanked Mauriello as an excellent exam­
senior counselor Mrs. Spencer, ple of a person with integrity
his teachers, his friends, and his "He is the kind of person we
parents. would love to have run for pub­
Mauriello is the first South lic office," said Smith.
Mecklenburg student to win the Mauriello, however, has no
award since 1987, when it was plans to go into politics. He will
bestowed on Joey Peterson. study architecture at the School
South's only other winner was of Design at North Carolina
Cindy Ballenger in 1986. State University in Raleigh.
By Katie Payerle
The 1996-1997 school year best years at South. "We had a goals," said Davis of his posi­
lot of talent this year," he said. tion. His primary goal is to in­
marks the end of Ron Hillier's
Davis' new position is the crease student participation at
five years as the Athletic Direc­
next step in the ladder he has sports events. "I want to find a
tor at South. Herb Davis, bas­
climbed at South Meek. In 1965, way to get students to the
ketball coach and U.S. history
teacher for twenty-one years Davis raduated from $_outh as games," he said. "At most of the
one of only five African-Ameri­ Tuesday basketball games, there
will take his prace.
Hillier looks fondly on his can students in his class. He are more parents in the audience
then returned to coach junior than students. That disturbs
years at South. "I had a great
varsity basketball for seven me."
time here. I'm going to miss
years and varsity basketball for Overall, Davis is looking for­
South," he said. "I don't think
fourteen years before receiving ward to his position. "I'm a little
there is a better school any­
his new position. "This is a goal apprehensive about the position,
where." Hillier feels that this
that I have had and I have ac­ but I'm the type of person who
year is a good time to retire be­
complished. Now, I will set new likes a challenge," he said.
cause it is the end of one of his
Two win in national DECA competition
By Mike Klein
On Tuesday, April 29, nine
South Meek DECA students and
their advisers Mrs. Price and Mr.
Shultz took their transcontinen­
tal marketing skills west, to
Anaheim, California for the 51st
National Career Development
Conference. Students qualified
for the conference based on their
performances at the State Career
Development Conference in
March.
Over a period of five days, stu­
dents competed in a series of
events. These events required a
comprehensive one hundred
question exam to be taken and
two role play situations, with an
additional role play included for
finalists. The South DECA chap­
ter brought home two winners:
DECA students enjoying Anaheim
Alicia Speller as a series event In addition to competition, the rounding tourist attractions.
finalist, and Mike Klein as an students also attended work­ The North Carolina DECA
overall finalist and a second shops, elected national officers, chapter as a whole was recog­
place winner in the nation in the and used free time to see Holly­ nized for having the third larg­
area of Advertising and Visual wood, Beverly Hills, attempted est contingent present in Ana­
Merchandising Services. to see Compton, and other sur- heim.
Three
teachers
are here... to retire...
Page 8
 The Sabres' Blade
May 21,1997
A Fond Farewell to
Senior Sabres
By Cliff Mauriello
I never look forward to say­
ing goodbye, but sometimes
farewells are inevitable, espe­
cially after graduation. The
classmates and friends we have
known for the past four years
will soon journey to far away
places to begin new lives as col­
lege students. It will be impor­
tant for all of us to remember the
things which have made South
Mecklenburg such a special
place.
Do you remember the Cor­
vette caravans at the homecom­
ing games? How about the em­
cees at Senior Follies? Do you
recall when we carne from be­
hind to win the big football
game in the fourth quarter?
Didn't you have the most won­
derful time at the prom? Isn't
that the worst yearbook picture
you've ever seen?
Who were our homcoming
queens and kings? Wasn't he
the student body president? Do
you remember Miss South?
W ho was the captain o f the
team?
Memories are meant to be
shared. How often have you
gone to someone's house and
just spent an evening or an af­
ternoon flipping through year­
books and talking about all your
GI�AlESII
Editors-in-Chief
Andrew Buchert
Karen Whichard
Sports Editor
Jennifer Collins
Photoerapher
Kevin Ballantine
Reporters
Walter Boyle
Branna Calloway
Lauren Coggins
Nicole Ewing
Th� S�bres' Blade staff will accept any and all letters, articles,
ed1t�nals, etc., but cann'?t guarantee ublication. We reserve
the �1ght, however, to ed1t any materia for obscenity, misinfor­
�ahon, or other necesssary corrections. All opinions expressed
m The Sabres' Blade are those of the individual writers and not
the staff as a whole. If you have any questions, please feel free to
come by B-10.
experiences? Have you ever
spent time talking to a friend on
the phone about how much
you'll miss high school? How
many letters have you written
about what you've seen, done
and felt?
How often is it that we have
to say goodbye, even if it is only
for a short while? When we
move on to college, we will be
separated from most of our
friends, and for some of us, all
we will have to hang on to will
be our memories. Treasure all
that South Mecklenburg has
meant to you.
Next year, when you are feel­
ing homesick or lonely, call up
a friend and reminisce about
high school.
Oh, if you ever look through
the yearbook and see my pic­
ture and wonder, "Who was
that guy?", just flip to The Sa­
bres' Blade page. I'm the lucky
guy with all the great friends
standing around him in the
bushes on the football field.
Thanks for the memories.
��
177-
0,
��
Business Manater
Warren Foster
Adviser
Mrs. Jerry Berry
Mike Klein
Keith Mason
Cliff Mauriello
Katie Payerle
f
. . . frederick. L..McKissack
Letter· to the Editor
Dear Sabres,
It's unbelievable but unfor-
tunately it's true: My year in the
USA is almost over now' I h d
a great time here at Sou th
Me k �
and want to thank everyone
. here at South Meek next year.
that made 1t so unforgettable for
me. Students, teachers, staff, all
of you were so nice and friend­
ly to me, you made me feel as if
I were one of you. I'll have a
hard time leaving y'all now, but
if anybody wants to stay in con­
tact with me, I'll leave my
address. Hopefully, this will not
be a good-bye forever but an
"Auf Wiedersehen!" and I'll
come back and visit some day.
Crack Down on Drunk
Driving
By Katie Payerle
North Carolina Legislature has
just passed a new law concern­
ing the punishment for drunk
driving. According to the new
law, drunk drivers are subject to
having their cars confiscated and
impounded by a judge. A repeat
offender may have his driver's li­
cense revoked. In the N.C.
House of Representatives, the bill
passed with a vote of 113-1. I
can't help wondering what was
going on in the mind of the lone
dissenter. Drunk drivers kill
thousands of people each year
and injure at least three times as
many. Something must be done
to curb these statistics. I support
the NC Congress' decision to
crack down on drunk drivers.
The main reason for my sup­
port is the need for tougher laws.
If we in North Carolina do not
want people to drive drunk, it
shouldn't matter how harsh the
penalty is for drunk driving.
Under a harsh law, citizens will
be forced to make intelligent de­
cisions regarding the serious risk
of drunk driving. The concept is
simple: a crime results in a pun­
ishment. If a driver is aware that
drunk driving is a crime and that
the punishment is the confisca­
tion of his car, then only the
driver can be blamed when his
car is taken away. To say that the
I plead the First
By Karen Whichard
The Charlotte community has
become polarized by the County
commission's recent vote to cut
arts funding, and the debate over
"anti-gay" laws has come barrel­
ing into our community. As the
movement by the Christian Right
to dictate the morals of all Ameri­
cans hits closer to home, many
are questioning what happened
to the First Amendment.
From a purely legal standpoint,
our country has a long-standing
tradition of freedom of religion.
This freedom also includes the
right not to practice, although
America is largely Christian.
Even though Christianity may be
the majority religion, everyone
should not be forced legally to
abide by its moral code. Every
argument made against homo­
sexuality is backed with a Bible
verse, and these scripture refer­
ences cannot be turned into law
Thank you so very much
a�ain! Good luck to the se­
mors that go off to college or
off to the "real world" and
good luck to everyone else
I'll m1ss you.1
·
Inga Schmid
My address is:
Mosheimweg 2
37075 Gottingen
Germany
Tel. /Fax: 011-49-551-46400
e-mail: hans­
joerg.schmid@t-online.de
consequences are too extreme is
defeating the purpose of a con­
sequence. The bottom line is
that if drivers want their cars
badly enough, then they will
make decisions that allow them
to keep their cars. Even driv­
ers that need their cars to make
a living should not be awarded
an exemption from the law. If a
driver needs his car that badly,
he should think about that need
before turning the key in the
ignition while intoxicated. Per­
haps they should have thought
of their need before they got
intoxicated. The government
has made the law clear and
must hold each driver respon­
sible for his actions. If they fear
the consequences enough, driv­
ers will avoid them by obeying
the laws on drunk driving.
In addition to keeping drunk
drivers off the road, this law al­
lows some good to come of the
confiscated cars. According to
the bill, the cars will be given
to local schools to use or to sell.
The new law can only bring
about positive change. Drunk
driving will be reduced, the
court system will be taken more
seriously, and those who insist
upon breaking the law will be
forced to make a contribution to
the school system.
if we are to remain a commu­
nity where the First Amend­
ment applies.
Economically, Charlotte
could be hurt if it is perceived
to be an intolerant community.
When Cobb County, Georgia
put an anti-gay ordinance on
the books, the repercussions
were far-reaching. Cobb
County, which borders Atlanta,
was not allowed to participate
in many parts of the Olympic
Garnes, such as the carrying of
the Olympic Torch. Businesses
have also located elsewhere,
taking with them jobs and tax
revenue.
The most disheartening as­
pect of the issue is that people
who call themselves Christians
are openly proclaiming their
hate for other individuals.
Christianity teaches love and
tolerance, and that influence
definitely would be welcomed.
I Page 21
Their
Take on It
Tiger Woods a role model of
determination
It's only natural to make
something more of Woods' vic­
tory than just winning a golf
game. This Masters win oc­
curred just days before the
50th anniversary of Jackie
Robinson's historic breaking of
the color line in baseball. It
helps illuminate our continu­
ing struggle to rid ourselves of
the racial barriers that have di­
vided us and unfairly ham­
pered the achievements of so
many Americans.
We still have much work to
do in bringing down those bar­
riers and achieving true equal­
ity of opportunity for all
Americans. But in Tiger
Woods we once again see the
possibilities.
Fannie Flono
The Charlotte Observer
Women in violent dating
relationships deserve help
Most people recognize do­
mestic violence as a serious so­
cial problem, but have been
slow to understand that vio­
lent dating relationships can be
just as dangerous as abusive
relationships between married
people or boyfriends and girl­
friends who live together.
What's at work in abusive dat­
ing relationships, researchers
say, are the same issues of
power and contro\ that cause
spouse abuse. Young men are
abusive to intimidate their girl­
friends and gain control. In
violent marriages, men beat
women because they can and,
too often, because they can get
away with it.
The Charlotte Observer
Colleges must be fair to
women athletes
What parents know is that
sports can provide lessons in
teamwork, performing under
pressure and rebounding after
a loss. Their daughters want
to play, and do. Parents of ath­
letic daughters must keep ask­
ing why it's fair for male ath­
letes at colleges to get more op­
portunities and a bigger share
of the scholarship pie than the
women.
Congress decreed long ago
that discrimination in college
sports was wrong. It's still
wrong today.
The Charlotte Observer
Non-athletic black
achievements overlooked
While the world went ga-ga
for Tiger, jazz composer-trum­
peter Wynton Marsalis won
the Pulitzer Prize for music.
He received just a couple of
claps. That's it.
Albert Murray was finally
recognized by the National
Book Critics Circle. Did NBC,
ABC, CBS, or FOX herald this
as a great achievement in this
country's struggle to overcome
its racial divide?
What Woods did was special.
But let's get real: Will his win
change the way America treats
blacks? Not as long as we con­
tinue to look past the intellec­
tual achievements of African
Americans in favor of the ath­
letic ones.
The Sabres' Blade
May 21,1997
Faces in the Crowd
Preferred Food: Spaghetti
Favorite Color: Blue
Novel: T he Client
In CD Player: Boyz II Men ·
Birthday: February 6, 1981
Pet Peeve: Hypocrites
Favorite Color: Royal Blue
Boyfriend: Aaron Alexander
After South Meek: NC A&T University
Hobby: Modeling
Pet Peeve: Talkative Individuals
Favorite Saying: "Whatever"
Features
Head of the class
By Nicole Ewing
If you don't know him by now,
you must have been under a
rock for the past few months
because John van Brederode has
definitely made an impression
on South. He made the entire
school go wild when he rapped
at the Student Council elections.
He is a clean-cut, intelligent
junior who has a bright future
ahead of him.
John is one of those people who
is good at everything. He
maintains a 4.38 GPA in AG and
AP classes. John is also a key
part of the men's track team, he
plays football, basketball, and
loves to ski. He was recently
elected President of Executive
Council, along with being in
PAWS, SADD, German Club,
German Honor Society,
National Honor Society, and
Beta Club.
Outside of school, John enjoys
Maricia makes a great combination
By Jennifer Collins
Maricia Covington arrives at
school every morning in her '89
white Hyundai. With just
enough time to make it before
the bell, Covington joins the rest
of the student body in racing to
first peri�d.
Maricia's greatest asset is her
ability to stay academically
focused while participating in
clubs, singing in the Gospel
Choir, participating in various
community activities, and
modeling. She was a member
of the Varsity Cheerleading
squad this past season and a
general member of the Senior
Class Council. She held the
office of President of NAACP
last year. One of Maricia's
greatest awards was being a
Finalist in Miss Teen NC
Pageant.
South has taught Maricia the
value of diversity and open­
mindedness. Her involvement
Sabres' Blade
reporter wins
national
award
By Andrew Buchert
The Sabres' Blade staff con­
gratulates our own Katie
Payerle, whose editorials
were honored by the Quill
and Scroll, a journalistic
honor society. Both of Katie's
entries placed in the top
twenty-four of over three
hundred entries from around
the country. She received a
gold charm with the Quill and
Scroll logo for each of the two
editorials submitted. Katie's
editorial, "Attention villag­
ers!" appeared in the October
9, 1996 edition of The Sabres'
Blade. "A new look at pill pop­
ping," the second editorial,
ran in the November 13,1996
issue.
!Page 3�
Has South
received too
much media
attention this
singing, drawing, hanging with
his friends, and working out at
year?
the Y MCA. He is also a Youth
Group Leader at his church.
John feels that, "You only fail
to accomplish something when
you don't try to accomplish it."
He has certainly accomplished
a lot in his two years at South.
He has won numerous awards
including the Pepsi Scholar
Athlete, and the Wendy's
Heisman Invitational
Scholarship Nomination. His
role model is his older brother
Rob. "He has been the best
example to me in my life on Chimere Callaway,11th
how to treat people and how to "The media are exploiting
live." South. They focus on the
negative, but don't publicize
In the future, John plans to
attend BY U and pursue a career the positive things."
in medicine. But for now, all he
can say to his peers is, "Smile,
it can't hurt anyone, and it can
sometimes make someone's
day."
in Peaceful Sabres for the past
two years has allowed her to
experience cultural unity first
hand.
Maricia comes from a family
of six children, which has Alex Sarkozi, 12th
instilled values in her that will "In Germany the media
help her future decision­ doesn't care about the schools'
making. problems. The schools keep
Maricia enjoys telling the their problems internal."
following anecdote about her
first name. Her father thought
she was going to be a boy and
intended for the name of his
new son to be Maurice. When
the confused parents found out
that their child was instead a
female, her mother decided on
the name Alicia. So as a
combination, she received the
name Maricia.
Maricia Covington will be
attending NC A&T this coming
fall, where she intends to major
Megan Doughten,9th
in either biology or fashion
"The press only comes for the
design.
negative aspects of South."
£lln The, Book Rack £lln
• Sdence Fiction • Mystery
• H.omanc.:e • Childrens Books
• Magazines • New Paperbacks 20% off
. Thousands of Used Paperbacks
( at 1/2 Price
·
Trade Yours For Credit
544-8006
McMullen Creek Market
8326 Pineville-Matthews Rd.
Monday-Friday 11:00-7:00 Saturday 10:00-6:00
Office
DEPOT
961 0 Plnev,lle·Matthews Rd.
P1nevllle. NC 281 34
(704} 544·8 185
FAX (704) 544·8190
 '

in out
...-.,---�;::;:0-> �i�):;%0
 NJROTC Awards Banquet yields new leaders
By Keith Mason
The Naval Junior ROTC unit
held its Annual Awards' Ban­
quet on May 2 at McDonald's
Cafeteria after two spectacular
exhibitions by the Blue and Gold
Waves' and Sabre Rifles' drill
teams. At the banquet many
cadets were recognized for their
outstanding achievements. The
1997-1998 Battalion Staff was
Arrowood, the new Blue and
Gold Waves Drill Team Com­
mander, will attempt to. take
their drill teams to the two pre­
miere national drill meets next
year. The cost for these two drill
meets will exceed over five
thousand dollars. Commander
Lee has already made plans to
launch a massive fund raising
next year's leaders are capable
of success with the unit.
A few members of the gradu­
ating senior class have opted to
move on further and begin mili­
tary careers. Joseph Drake has
signed to join the United States
Marine Corps to be apart of a
nuclear weapons security team.
Andrew Bullard joined the

South Meek Onstage

By Katie Payerle
The South Meek theatre de­
partment presented their last
mainstage play for this year on
April 17, 18, and 19. The play,
"Eat Your Heart Out," is a small
cast comedy about a struggling
.;- actor-waiter named Charlie and
the customers he meets while
waiting for his big break.
A cast of 2 females and 3 males
play many different characters
including a husband and wife,
a fortune teller, a nervous bride­
to-be, Charlie, another waiter,
and a couple of teenagers. All
of the younger female parts
were played by Lisa Payerle.
The older female parts were
played by Leslie Starnes. Quay
Rogers played the older male
parts, and Jte Hagan played the
younger male parts. Matthew
Jordan led the cast as Charlie.
On opening night, the cast
kept the audience laughing
through the physical comedy
routines. The funniest scene
came at the end of Act II when
all five members of the cast were
onstage trying to get Charlie's
attention using bells. Unfortu­
nately, one bell did not work,
one man would not stop ring­
ing his, a woman could not de­
cide what she wanted but rang
anyway, and Charlie V4<1S trying
to ask out another woman. The
props that appeared in the play.
The show was as much fun for
the cast as it was for the audi­
ence. Everyone who worked on
the show pulled together well.
"We had a great time prepar­
ing and running this play," said
Matthew Jordan. "There were
times when I thought that we
were not going to get it done,
but with the cooperation of the
cast and crew, we were able to
pull it off."
The theatre department also
put on two plays by Christo­
pher Durang on May 14 and 15.
The first play, For Whom the
Southern Belle Tolls. is a parody
of The Glass Menagerie by Ten­
nessee Williams. The second
play, Desire. Desire, Desire, is a
parody of Williams' A Streetcar
Named Desire. In Belle, Durang
replaced Laura's glass menag­
erie with Lawrence's collection
of glass cocktail stirrers. In De­
sire. Durang's paradoxical ren­
ditions of the characters in
Streetcar are constantly inter­
rupted by �aggie from Cat on
.
a Hot Tm Roof. also by Williams.
The cast and crew of both shows
are Ms. Guzman's Theatre IV I
Honors class. Michelle Cashio,
the director of Belle says, "The
plays were a challenge, but we
had fun working with the dif­
named after senior Andrew
Bullard, Unit Commander, was
relieved of his duties. A promi­
nent rising senior, Andrew Lee,
was named the next Unit Com­
mander for the upcoming
school year. Commander Lee's
new staff includes Lieutenant
Cm:nll'!-ander Jeremy Stafford as
the Executive Officer, Lieuten­
ant Michelle Love as the Opera­
tions Officer, Ensign
Koutsoupais as the Administra­
tion Officer, and Master Chief
Petty Officer Richard
Armstrong as the Unit Master
Chief. Commander Lee, the
Sabre Rifles' Drill Team Com­
mander; and Ensign Terra
Choir successful in Atlanta competition
By Karen Whichard
South Mecklenburg's two
chamber ensembles recently at­
tended a competition in Atlanta,
Georgia. Although much
smaller than last year's Toronto
contest, the festival attracted
many prestigious choirs as well
as bands and orchestras.
Both ensembles performed
well, and the Chamber Singers
recei_ved an excellent rating, fin­
ishing third in their division.
Three new
English
teachers join
effort to fund transportation to
these drill meets.
Next year, the Batallion Staff
plans to rule with an iron fist to
ensure that the unit meets its
maximum potential once more.
This year's upper echelon of
other graduating seniors; Katie
Patton (LCD R), Danielle
Mershon (LT), Heather Prekrel
(LT j.g.), Joseph Drake (ENS),
Dahl Mason (ENS), Chiquita
Thomas (ENS), Chris Ritter
(CPO), Latrice Ivey (CPO),
Alteago Horne (P02), and Josh
Tate (P03) wish next year's unit
staff the best of luck in achiev­
ing their goals. The members
of the senior class believe that
The mixed chamber choir did
exceptionally well even though
thirty percent of the choir was
unable to make the trip.
Women's Chamber, in its first
full year as a choir at South, also
did a good job. They received
a superior rating and finished
first place in their division. In
addition, the Women's Chamber
choir did well enough to secure
a first place overall award for
Congratu ations to
South Meek Artists...
Derek Helsel -- First Place at Matthews Artfest Scholarship
United States Navy to become
an aviation technician. Josh Tate
has enlisted with the United
States Army. Other members of
the senior class will be taking
College ROTC courses this fall
to possibly seek careers as pro­
fessional military officers.
With the school year just
about over, the entire unit
thanks to Commander Harvey,
Senior Chief Petty Officer Posey,
and First Sargent Bryant for
their work this school year.
With dedication and hard
work from the NJROTC cadets
and Naval Science Instructors
next year's unit should be one
of the best ever.
treble choirs. Junior Meg
Crowley said, "Women's cham­
ber finally showed their talent,
emerging from under the
shadow of Chamber Choir."
Besides the competition, the
two ensembles spent the day at
Six Flags theme park, and at­
tended a mystery dinner theater.
The dinner theater was one of
highlights of the trip.

_...
stage was a picture of chaos.
Eventually, the man with the
broken bell stood on top of a
chair that was on top of a table
and screamed, "I'm hungry!"
The cast was able to create a
level of confusion and energy
that was side-splitting funny.
Backstage, the crew managed
to organize all of the many
ferent styles."
This set of plays was the third
set of student directed plays that
the Theatre IV /Honors class has
mounted this year. Amanda
Price, director of Desire says,
"This was an educational year
in theatre class. I'm really glad
we had the opportunity to do so
many shows."
faculty
By Katie Payerle
Three new English teachers
joined the staff recently. Alex
Thomas, a ninth grade teacher,
graduated from Queens College
and student taught senior En­
glish at South last year.
Tanya Branham, ninth grade
English teacher, taught at
Fairborn High School in Ohio
Competition and Award from Ford Motor Credit Competi­
tion
Lauren Coggins-- 2nd place Queens College Art Exhibit
Sissy Hopkins,Catherine Cooney,Robert Williams,Trip
Ingle,Tyler Snyder,and Peter Bentley-- exhibited work in
the Litefoot Gallery's opening
Ginnie Hench- Gold Key and silver key in Scholastic Art
Show
Danielle Mershon- Silver Key in Scholastic Art Show
Alan Nelson- Purchase Award in Scholastic Art Show
Jessica Smyth,Farell Beam,Jennifer Martelle,Allen Nelson,
Jesse Rademaker,Julie Roberts,Greg Weston, Sarah

Senior Mysteries: Bobby before she came to South.

Linda Laggos teaches tenth
Martelle-- Honorable Mentions in Scholastic Art Award.
Kathy Huxley,Allan Nelson and Virginia Hench-- Scholar­

Patterson and Danielle Lackey grade English a nd came to

South from Paw Paw H igh
ship for College of Art & Design in Detroit,MI
Michael Mauriello and Shelly Moore--Accepted to the NC
School in Illinois. State School of Design

Jraid
' Youre Pregnant?
Hannaford Plaza
Charlotte, NC 28226
We're Ready To Help. Call Ahead

Free Pregnancy Testing 543-3133

Confidential Counseling
Fax In Your Order
543-6699
Select Medical Services
GIAIITSiz•
FREEI_Larue Drink
Post Abortion Counseling
SUBMAliNES w/Purchase
24-hour Crisis Hotline &SALADS o1 a Sub and this coupon
e
Jersev Mike's Suppons south Students and helps mak
Charlotte Pregnancy Care
1311 East Morehead Street · 372·5981
this publicauon possible_ Please suppon our advertisers
 The Sabres' Blade
May 21,1997
Bagwell guides Sabres to playoffs
By Walter Boyle
The baseball team made con­
siderable improvement over the
1997 season. First year coach
Hal Bagwell guided the Sabres
to second place in conference
play and a position in the South­
western 4A Conference Finals.
Bagwell is not new to Sabre
Country. He graduated from
South Meek in 1986. The play­
ers have formed a good partner­
ship with their new coach.
"I like to think that they think
Handfull of Skill, Bucket Full of Heart
By Kevin Ballantine
The Sabres Lacrosse Club fin­
ished their inaugural season
with a 4-7 record. The team
started right by defeating Myers
Park S-4. Evan Lackey had the
first goal in South Meek history.
That game was followed by a
loss to Charlotte Latin and a
close overtime loss to West
Meek. Then the team buckled
down and won two straight
against North Meek . A loss to
arch rival Providence inspired
the Sabres to pull out a double­
overtime win against Myers
Park, 7-6. The Sabres slumped
at the end of the season, losing
to Charlotte Latin, Providence,
and a team from Atlanta.
Senior captain Kevin
Ballantine, Chauncey Phillips,
Phillip Russo, and goalie Todd
/
Millroy spearheaded the Sabre
defense. Jason Smith, John
Bedrosian, Nate VanDerVeer,
and Evan Lackey led the Sabre
State playoffs for Sabre soccer
By Cliff Mauriello
South Mecklenburg's two
losses to the Providence Pan-
thers eliminated the possibilty
of the Sabres winning a third
consecutive Southwestern 4A
Conference Women's Soccer
Championship, but the Lady
Sabres still hope to advance be-
yond the quarterfinals in the
state playoffs.
Experience has been the differ-
ence for the Sabres this season.
Seven seniors - Kathy van
Brederode, Marni Britton,
Lauren Coggins, Ginny Hinch,
Charlotte Moore, Julie Roberts,
Kathy van Brederode, and
Sabre Track Finishes Third at Conference Meet
By Cliff Mauriello .
Seniors Cliff a nd Michael
Mauriello finally got the one
that slipped away. Avenging a
second place finish in the con­
ference meet last year and a
fourth place finish at the Dick
Williams Metrolina Relays, the
4x800 meter relay team captured
the Southwestern 4A Confer­
ence Title. The team, which also
included freshman Chris Gor­
don and sophomore Lorenzo
Southern also set the school
® RadioShack�
Youiue got questions. We'ue got answers.
Specials on cellular phones and pagers
highly of me. It wasn't a diffi­
cult transition. I was more than
ready," said Bagwell .
Bagwell's approach has been
to provide structured environ­
ment for working on the fun­
damentals.
"Out ultimate goal is to get to
state playoffs," said Bagwell.
South's victory over Myers
Park in the C onference
Seminfinals clinched that play­
off berth and gave the Sabres an
South's first lacrosse team poses before a game.
scoring attack. Joe Wash, Matt
Holmes, Andy Biddell, and
Chia Chung comprised the
midfield. Nick Eckhardt earned
a reputation as the Sabre's hard-
est hitter.
Th�lay�rs' effort has_
_
shown that even a first year pro-
gram can succeed.
Nicole van Every - have helped
to lead South Mecklenburg to
another berth in the playoffs. In-
consistent play, however, has
prevented the team from win-
ning as many games as in the
past.
"We have not played as well
as we are capable of playing,"
said Coach Lynch.
The team has also been un-
happy with its play. Many of the
younger players, however, have
made great improvement over
the course of the season, espe-
dally Sheila Findel.
"Sheila is our most improved
record in the event, running 8
minutes and 10 seconds.
It was only the beginning of a
very strong showing for the Sa­
bres. Ahmad Blakeney took sec­
ond in the 100 metert dash, third
in the long jump, and third in
the 200 meter dash. Anwar
M c Kissik and Lavar Jones
placed third in the triple jump
and the pole vault respectively.
The 4x100 meter relay and the
45x200 meter rela teams both
Carmel Commons Shopping Center
7617-C Pineville-Matthews Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28226
Voice 704.542.9814
Fax 704.543.1696
opportunity to play arch rival
Providence for the Conference
Baseball Title.
Corey Wood pitched a two hit­
ter to earn the win over Myers
Park. Matt Hollowecky went 2-
3 with a double and 3 RBis to
lead the Sabres at the plate.
South Mecklenburg was the
third seed in the tournament.
They defeated East
Mecklenburg 8-1 in the first
round.
Sabres will miss Coach Armstrong.
Armstrong Leaves South
for Garinger
By Branna Calloway
The burly man of few words a hand in. He also played a part
who hangs out in the Weight on the football team. Four of his
Training Room is leaving South offensive linemen made the All­
to become head football coach Conference Team.
of the Garinger Wildcats. One of the best parts of his job
Coach Vince Armstrong is was "having the privilege to
used to transition. From 1990 to coach some of the best kids here
1992, he was an athletic trainer at South Meek."
at Providence. From there, he Coach Armstrong said he
"To succeed this year we had
went to Kennedy Middle would miss "the students and
to prepare mentally and physi-
School, where he coached the the working relationships with
cally. For many of the players
boys' soccer team. my colleagues.
this is their first time ever play­
Coach Armstrong has been at Although he'll miss South,
ing, and taking that into consid­
South for five years and has Coach Armstrong looks forward
eration I believe that the lacrosse
made many contributions since to his new position at Garinger.
Jearn bas the most heart of any.
--his arrivat·He-started the-ninth He hopes-to put me football pro­
team here at South or in the con- gram back on track and to pro­
grade girls' basketball and JV
ference," said Coach Bettis.
girls' softball programs. In ad­ duce a winning team.
dition, Armstrong was the
winningest JV girls' basketball
Armstrong likes the idea of
"changing the fortune of a pro­
coach. gram.".
player," said Lynch. Basketball and softball weren't "It's a great opportunity,"
South Mecklenburg won its the only sports Armstrong had Armstrong said.
opening playoff match against
Waynesville Tuscola 4-1. Softball team gets winning record
Lauren Coggins, Charlotte
By Jennifer Collins and Cliff
Moore, and Nicole van Every
Mauriello
made the Southwestern 4A All­
Coach Leslie Adams guided started. She hoped everyone
Conference Team. During the
the Lady Sabre Softball team would develop fundamentally
course of the season, Moore
to a 14-7 record and a 7-5 mark and mentally, that the team
broke the South Mecklenburg
in Southwestern 4A Conference would have a winning record,
career goal record , and Coggins
play. The record was good for and that the team would move
broke the mark for career as­
fourth place in the conference up in the standings. Coach
sists. Moore scored her 100th
standings. The junior varsity Adams and assistant coaches
career goal in the Waynesville
team finished 6-5. Angela Woppman andEmma
Tuscola victory, making her the
Six Sabres - Jacquie DuBois, Hall accomplished all three.
first Sabre ever to break the cen-
Kristi Davis, Jessica Klem, Stacy The Sabres defeated the West
tury mark.
Sikula, Lisa Coppedge, and Charlotte Lions i n the first"­
Erinn Harris - made the All­ round of the Southwestern 4A
Conference Team. Conference Tournament before
finished second. Courtney Grier Coach Adams had three goals losing in the seond round to
was t hird in the 300 meter for her team when the season Myers Park.
hurdles, and Cliff Mauriello was
runner up in the 3200 meter run.
The 4x400 meter relay team fin­
ished third.
Congratulations to Chris
The Sabres placed third in the Prentice: South's
meet, losing only to champion
East Mecklenburg and runner Southwestern 4A
up Providence.
The Lady Sabres finished fifth
All-Conference Tennis Player
at the Lady Southwestern 4A
Conference Track Meet.
Lacrosse Co., LLC
Charlotte's �rst lacrosse specialty sto� ,.....,
•..
10100 Park Cedar Rd. �
Charlotte, NC 28210 Towanls
(704) 544-7230
Tues-Fri l-7pm
Saturday 9am-Spm
Sunday l-5 pm
Closed Monday
 The Sabres' Blade
May 21, 1997
Senior Mysteries
By Kevin Ballantine
This senior mystery always
. has a smile on his face and is
. very
...
� well known around
South's campus. While balanc­
ing academics and sports, he
still has time to relax. He is
known for the aqua-colored bug
that he drives around town.
This senior mystery is a mem­
ber of NAACP. He was on the
Varsity Men's Basketball team
and the Reverse Homecoming
Court this year. This senior has
also participated on the track
team and football team. O n
weekends h e can b e seen work­
ing at Autobell.
Can you guess who this se­
nior mystery is? Check page 6.
Students selected to attend
Governor's School
By Andrew Buchert
Three South students were
selected to attend the North
Carolina Governor's School for
a six week session this summer.
Hillary Vaden was selected to
attend in the area performing
arts in cello, and Wendi Buffet
will be attending in the area of
visual arts. Shannon Hurleigh
was selected to attend
Governor 's School for dance.
To be considered for
Governor 's School, applicants
must have a GPA between 3.6
and 4.0, and they must be AG
certified. Students must be
nominated through the school
system and chosen in a lottery.
Summer School Program
Remediation Course Work:
Session I: July 2 - July 17
Session II: July 18 - July 31
7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Tuition:
Remediation - $115 (two weeks), $230 (four weeks)
New Course Work: $235 (three weeks), $470 (six weeks)
704 372 • •
an educated g uitarist
is a dan g erous g u ita rist
BE DAN.G ERO U S
2123 E. 7th St. Charlotte, NC
By Jennifer Collins
This 5'2" senior can be seen
driving in her bright yellow Geo
Storm. Thirty-two is her lucky
number, which can be seen on
her parking spot and locker
number. Being the president of
her church youth group, along
with the starting center field
player for South's varsity soft­
ball team are some of her cur­
rent activities. Her greatest joy
is her dog, Duke. You may rec­
ognize her hanging around with
her twin brother, who also at­
tends South. Appalachian State
Univer sity is her choice o f
school next year. I f you haven't
figured her out yet, go search­
ing on page 6.
Some areas require an audition
or portfolio.
"I know that this is an experi­
ence that I will never forget, and
I am looking forward to the
progress that I hope to make in
my music," said Hillary
Hurleigh will take three hour
long dance classes instructed by
a staff of elite dancers. "I can't
wait," she said. "It will prepare
me for college, and I'll be doing
what I enjoy everyday of the
summer."
"I really wanted to be ac­
cepted, and I know the instruc­
tion will help me a lot," said
Buffet.
New Course Work:
Session 1: June 7 - July 9
Session II: July 10 - July 30
7:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
1689
Holmes guides South's Horticulture program
By Walter Boyle
The greenhouse is in full
bloom. There are a variety of
plants, colors and smells thanks
to the guidance of Mr. John
Holmes and the hard work of
his students.
Mr. Holmes is in no way new
to plants and horticulture. He
previously taught for six
months at the Applied Technol­
ogy Center in Rock Hill. "It was
a horticulture program where
three high schools would funnel
students into it. We had a green
house, tractors, and orchard; it
was a real nice facility." Before
that,- he taught at Central Pied­
mont Community College, at
York Technical College, and
worked at a horticulture con­
sulting firm, Growing Concerns.
Mr. Holmes graduated from the
University of Maryland with his
Bachelor of Horticulture degree
in 1981, and received his Mas­
ters in Entomology degree in
1983.
The Horticulture classes are
involved in many projects such
as beautifying the campus, put-
Three teachers to retire from South
By Katie Payerle
At the end of this year, Mr.
Baldwin will retire. He made
his decision to leave after 36
years of teaching and 10 years
of chairing the Science Depart­
ment . Baldwin taught his first
class at South in 1964.
Mr. Baldwin's contribution
does not end at the classroom
door. For 23 years he coached
soccer, seeing the team through
300 wins. He also coached the
Golf team at South achieving
172 wins, a State Champion­
ship, 15 conference titles, and 7
Regional titles.
"South Meek is a school with
a lot of great people. I'll be sad
to go, but it's time to move on."
said Baldwin.
Johnston Road at McMullen CreElk Parkway
Tel 543-8890
•
vo-j.
N
";.�
HANNAFORD PLAZA
SHOPPING CENTER
�u,_. .�
CONNECTION(!)
J ' >).!
HAN/'141\FVRD
; --.LOWE
��c._
.....
;-
�(J
···-- -
..J;2 4
Horticulture I students planting in the greenhouse
ting a cold frame into the green­ A variety of students are in­
house to keep more plants dur­ volved in the horticulture
ing the winter, adding a railroad classes; those who are college
tie stairwell over by the auto bound to those who are consid­
shop, and renovating the lawn ering a career in the landscap­
in front of the building. Next ing field. A wide variety of
year, Horticulture III will be of­ plants include annuals, peren­
fered as a new class. This will be nials, flowers, shrubs, and even
a class for the serious gardener. trees.
By Karen Whichard By Andrew Buchert
When the school year draws At the close of this school
to a close, South will lose its year, one of South's most famil­
most spirited faculty member. iar faces will be missing. Long­
Mrs. Fowler, who is well known time faculty member coach
for her Sabre red classroom Ron Hillier has announced his
walls full of newspaper clip­ retirement after twenty-five
pings dating back to the Walter years at South . Hillier has been
Davis era, is retiring after 34 teaching at South since 1972,
years as a teacher. and he has been the Athletic
Mrs. Fowler, who has taught Director since 1993.
at South for 29 years, is the "I am very blessed and for­
founder of Proud and Working tunate to have been able to
Sabres, or P.A.W.S., the schools teach at South," said Hillier. "I
largest spirit club. really appreciate the closeness
When asked what stands out with the students. I received
about South's student body, more than I gave."
Fowler replied with a smile, "But it is the right time and
the right place to move on,"
"Good spirit and good friends
said Hillier, "Sometimes old
are probably what I'll remem­
dogs need to learn new tricks."
ber most."
- -
CY.fer expires 3 /3c/9?
' F REE
.:..:�:.:. ���"'� t1 DW I CH
�.�.:.=-
"}.
"c Buy any larg e sandwich & drink
0
and receive a reg u lar sandwich
\
, F R E E with this coupon.
�ILLJ'
� .
<- ......_
� 5' \,J'.._.t
CON N E CT I O N
\,
(;.�,.,.
!-,0...._...._
- �(,�---�
I
Not va�d w�h any other offer. Limit one co1.4>0n
L
per person per visit. Dine-ln or Cany-Out Only.
-
- - - - - - - - - - -